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The Emmys have struggled to recognize achievement in stand-up comedy.
Netflix, in its efforts to supplant HBO, has made the genre a huge pillar of its programming.
One reason the writing nominees reflect more refined taste in comedy could lie in the Emmys rules for voting.
But the rest of the Emmys are selected by what are called peer groups.
vote in the writing categories.
In recent years, the writers brand of the Academy has done well by stand-up comedians.
It would make sense that these are the shows the general public would gravitate toward.
This year, the comedy writers actually did just that.
This is not usually how things go with the writing categories at the Emmys.
Writing for a Limited Series matched Outstanding Limited Series four for six.
Jesse and Kathryn break it down below.
But even with this context, this year seems notable.
Kathryn VanArendonk:It does seem notable!
Now, dont get me wrong I love Mike Birbiglia, and hes hardly an unknown.
But no ones out here arguing that hes as famous as Chappelle.
So its not like thisneverhappens.
But it still feels unusual.
Do you have any theories about why this relatively insidery list of comedians were recognized this year?
Was there some big mainstream-appeal-jot down special that got overlooked in favor of them?
JDF:Its useful to think about why others didnt get a nomination.
There are only so many notable specials a year from big-name comedians.
Trevor Noahs gifts as a comedian are not in his writing.
So, for me, the real question is, why doesnt Nikki Glaser get nominated?
And, relatedly, whydoesJohn Early?
And writers, unlike the general voting body, read.
Also, all four appeared on my podcast,Good One, this spring.
AndMike Birbiglia was the subject of a documentary version ofGood Oneon Peacock.
You heard it here first, kids.
My read of the Glaser vs. That Early special, which is unquestionably hilarious, is also doing something with a more prestige-appeal valence.
Glaser, from a very glancing stylistic consideration, looks like a multicam by comparison.
To that end, both Alex EdelmansJust for Usand Jacqueline NovaksGet on Your Kneesare the big-win contenders.
What do you think?
JDF:I believe Alex will win.
If Edelman wins, he shouldpull a Ving Rhamesand give the statue to Birbiglia.
The direction nominees are a trickier situation.
How is one to compare?
So then we go back to the five stand-up comedians theory.
Nothing against the direction, but I cant say there is anything distinctive about any of these three.
So, I think this one will probably go to the Tonys.
Congrats to the Tony Awards.
Come be onGood One.
